Hegseth's group asked by soldier to maintain respect at Arlington National Cemetery

On Wednesday, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery witnessed an incident involving US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's delegation. A video showed laughter emanating from the group as they ascended the steps of the somber site following a Veterans Day event. Shortly after, the sentinel guarding the tomb approached the group and from a distance, shouted: "All visitors will maintain an atmosphere of silence and respect at all times."

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, housing the remains of three unidentified American service members, is a site of mourning and reflection on military service, with sentinels stationed 24 hours a day. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell confirmed the incident, stating that "the Secretary and the entire Department have always honored—and will always honor—the sacrifices our military men and women have made to keep America safe."

Parnell added that "while commemorating this solemn day, a soldier correctly and respectfully reminded everyone to maintain decorum." Hegseth, a former Army National Guard soldier who served in Iraq, faced an impeachment attempt this week after the House of Representatives rejected a Republican lawmaker's effort. Hegseth denounced the impeachment attempt as a farce and defended his record, which includes advocating for the unpopular Iran war, launching strikes on suspected drug vessels in Latin America, and removing senior military officers.

Democrats, who gained control of both chambers of Congress in recent elections, have pledged to investigate Hegseth's handling of the US military but have not ruled out another impeachment effort.